Jura Lodge

As the climbers, hikers and sailors who stop off on Jura each year know, this small Hebridean island has an otherwordly feel to it. Little wonder George Orwell came here to write Nineteen Eighty- Four or that, 50 years later, The KLF turned up to burn [pound]1m. The latest creative to seek inspiration from this 30-mile outcrop of rock is French designer Bambi Sloan, who has revamped what was Jura whisky's head distiller's house.

Sloan has incorporated almost as many deer into Jura Lodge's furnishings as there are roaming the island's estates. Its five bedrooms, sea-facing lounge and open-plan kitchen/living room are peppered with deer motif crockery and chairs fashioned entirely from antlers. The effect is more sophisticated than that sounds. This wins hoofs down as Scotland's most glamorous self-catering flat, with antique French linen, bottom-worn leather sofas and a reconditioned 1950s Brazilian cafe fridge.

The location

Orwell described the island as "an extremely un-get-at-able place". That much hasn't changed. You can fly to neighbouring Islay from Glasgow but most people drive here - a three-hour journey from Glasgow to Kennacraig, followed by a two-hour ferry to Islay and a five-minute hop across to Jura. The lodge is at the front of the distillery in the island's main village, Craighouse.

The comfort factor

The lodge is packed with vintage finds but it's never fussy or twee. A calming paint palette reflects the sea and the Hebridean landscape and you won't find the usual Scottish interior cliches here. You will find modern plumbing, heating and a dishwasher but don't expect a TV or mobile phone reception.

The bathroom

Of the five bedrooms, two have free-standing baths, two have showers and one has both. With views out on to the water and shells everywhere, including the light fittings, you can almost kid yourself that you're out splashing in surf.

The food and drink

Jura Stores, a minute's walk away, stocks all the essentials. If the kitchen looks too pretty to use, either head across to the Jura Hotel for traditional pub grub, or ask the lodge reception to book you the Islay-based chef Francois Bernier. Whisky is one of the lodge's biggest selling points. Smooth, award-winning malts from the distillery are left out for guests to try, or you can nip

The people

Literary types (Alexander McCall Smith was one of the first guests), whisky buffs, groups with something to celebrate and hardy, outdoor types.

The area

Hikers come here to clamber up the island's three soaring Paps - and to venture out to see the notorious Corryvreckan whirlpool. Barnhill, the house that Orwell rented, is now privately let but you can walk near it to peer at Corryvreckan, or just stride out among Jura's standing stones, beaches and coves.

The access

A narrow shingle path to the door and two flights of stone stairs (no lift) means the lodge isn't suitable for disabled guests or very young children.

The damage

Jura Lodge sleeps 10 and costs from [pound]1,000 for a long weekend and from [pound]1,500 for a week.

The address

Jura Lodge, Craighouse, Jura, Scotland (01496 820240; isleofjura .com/lodge).

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Owned by Vanessa Branson, sister of Richard, Eilean Shona (01967 431249; eileanshona.com) is a rambling house set on a private island off Scotland's west coast.

The are panoramic views across the sea from Callakille (01456 486 358; wilder nesscottages.co.uk), a charming croft cottage on the Applecross Peninsula, 90 miles from Inverness.

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